A lesson learned

[Nasty]

I have not posted much lately, but this week my family taught me a lesson and I think I have understood why my dad no longer bitched about me riding.

My dad was 68, when on wednesday he passed away. He had CLL which is a form of cancer, for the past ten years. 5 years ago he literally died 5 times and it wasn't his time to go, this time we were called to Melbourne and kinda hoped it would be the same, but it was actually his time.

My brother, before getting really sick said he harped on to dad about saving for retirement. But after he got so sick he told him 'fuck it - get out there and just do it'

In the past four years my dad travelled and did what he wanted. He went through Kenya and all these amazing places,and lived life to the fullest. He was still working, even though he was really sick ... And he threw caution to the wind. Two weeks ago he applied for a job, which was to fund his trip next year to China!! This is someone who was at that point hang blood transfusions every two weeks!!

I believe that dad must have known that riding bought me pleasure, even though my family lost my sisters partner and my own late partner while riding.

In his funeral notice it read "in lieu of flowers graham wants you to live a little, laugh a little and have some fun".

My brother said such things as an ice cream on the beach ... DO SOMETHING ... LIVE. Go jump out of a plane or off a bridge.

Me I will ride. I will remember ... Dad fought hard for so long. He is now watching as we take the challenge to do something. Feel free to take up this challenge,

Nasty

[Newbi]

So sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was definately onto something there, we could all do with getting out and living life to the fullest, it is but fleeting.

[chanceyy]

Hugs chick, never easy losing a parent and wise words of wisdom there. Bout to head out and do something all day .. and perhaps stepping off that bridge of comfort later today

Enjoy the time with your family xox

[sinfull]

We doing a memorial ride today Chick, So I'll take them thoughts too !

[FJRider]

I am sorry to hear of your dad passing away. I've been through that ... and even if you are expecting it ... it's still a kick in the guts when it happens. He would certainly know you enjoyed motorcycling. He would see it in your eyes (and bugs in the teeth) ... ride for him and smile. If you weren't already ...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Sorry to hear 'bout your Dad. Mine passed away unexdpectedly last Nov. Horrible time. But he's 100% right about getting out and doing it while you can!

I'll have a drink to him/you tonight!

P

[mashman]

Sorry to hear about your Dad Nasty. My condolences to you and your family. My mum is off on the cruise that my step Dad would never take tomorrow, almost a year to the day that we lost him. It's strange that it takes death to be at the door to suddenly realise what's important.

All the best

Gordon

[Tigadee]

My condolences to you and yours... May you long continue to enjoy life on two wheels and continue your dad's wish.

[jafar]

Nice thoughts in there Kari . Sorry to hear of your dads passing, does sound like he was living life to the end though. Good for him, better this than existing in a rest home & waiting for god !!

[caseye]

Hey our kid, thinking of you and yours, ride and remember Kari, he got it and loved you all the more for doing it, knowing what his girl was and still is going through.
Loves and big hugs from us both up ere in sarf Dorkland, a place lesser for your being in Welly.

[p.dath]

Very memorable words.

[hellokitty]

Hey Kari, I thought of you today, I went for a ride with my Dad so sorry to hear about your loss. I need to make the effort to ride with dad more often, cos you never know what the future will bring.

[Quasi]

Thanks Kari, Sage words from a wise man, and I can see where your own wisdom comes from. Its soo easy to get hung up on the trivial, and forget to live and laugh as much as we can. we all must remember to have fun and let the people who are important to us, know that they are important.
Take care gorgeous lady

[merv]

Yep, exactly right - no point putting off the things you want to do - just do them. Go places, enjoy yourself. I liked your Dad's attitude.

[tri boy]

Respect.
Keep riding girl.